Help sell me on an '18 Legacy vs. '18 Accord...

[Jgriff411]

OK I've been shopping, researching & test driving a bunch of cars & CUV for the past 6-months or so (including all the Subaru models except BRZ). I didn't really even consider the new Camry mostly on looks, but mainly because again NO Apple Car Play(CP) / Android Auto (AA). Thanks goodness Subaru got them both updated on the Legacy!!

 

I'm currently driving a '03 Mazda6 5mt, approaching 190k miles, and it's been pretty solid for the most part (bought new), just not sure how much life is left. In short I decided to stick w/ a mid-size sedan & have narrowed it down to the '18 Legacy & Accord. And a couple of days ago finally got to test the new Accord 1.5, which was a pretty impressive ride (a few more test will be necessary).

 

Of course as always any vehicles looks can be subjective. Price wise both vehicles tend to be comparable give/take a few dollars & options. Subaru biggest plus of course is the AWD, and that is not even an option on the Accord.

 

I'm still trying to sort out what features & options are the most important, but mainly safety like Eyesight & Honda Sensing are top priorities along w/ creature comforts. I don't really need anything super neck snapping fast.

 

To me one of the biggest downside to the new Accord, is it is all brand new model, so possible 1-2 year problems galore. And I've been burnt in the past w/ new models ie. '01 Acura CL transmission. Whereas the Legacy is now in it's 4th year hopefully most of the glitches have been worked out.

 

Of all the vehicles I own over the years the one brand I've never tried is Subaru. So please give me some other pros/cons to consider that would tip the scales even more. Thx in advance.

[YeuEmMaiMai]

having owned both in the past, the Subaru win hands down... (94 accord, 98 accord 02 CL type S)... I find the new accords to be too flashy for my tastes... I have a 14 Legacy with 42K miles and no issues that were the fault of Subaru... nice quiet comfortable to drive.

[Jgriff411]

A lot of people say once you go Subaru, you never go back.

[subiefan15]

I would go with Subaru for several reasons, one being the AWD as you mentioned and Eyesight. I like eyesight because it is internal so when driving in poor weather conditions the sensors are less likely to be damaged or become inoperable, mainly in snow by becoming blocked by snow and ice while driving. Simply put the Subaru is solid and I love that.

 

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[inthedeck]

I considered an Accord and Mazda6, but, after having owned 8 Subarus (between my wife and I), I couldn't fathom driving a FWD car anymore.

 

I do hear lots of good things about both the Accord and Mazda6, though, smooth transmission, available manual transmission (which I miss, some days), and overall reliability. But, living in Florida, where we get lots of rain, again, I chose AWD.

 

Don't get me wrong, the Legacy/Subaru isn't the end all be all. Certainly has it's quirks (random ticks/rattles, AC not being as strong as others, no manual anymore), but, safety, awd, and other incentives led me to my 9th one, and I don't regret the decision, at all.

 

Lastly, here's a video (albeit an outback) that shows how safe they really are.

 

GL with your decision.

[Pilot1226]

It’s tough coming to a Subaru based forum and asking for an unbiased opinion isn’t it?

 

That being said, I’ve had really good experiences with my two Subarus over the last 10 years. In the past, I’ve needed to put in a lot of time energy and effort and money into my Honda and Nissan, I have not had to do a single thing other than regular maintenance yet.

 

I want to drive the safest vehicle I possibly can, and my job requires me to drive to work even when it is a state of emergency based on the nature of my profession. Therefore, I will never drive anything except an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive car again. If I can avoid a single accident because of all wheel drive, the car essentially will pay for itself. Subarus all-wheel-drive is legendary.

 

The Subaru eyesight system is also very good, among the best if not the best in terms of non-luxury auto makers. I highly suggest this regardless of the model you pick.

 

Again I’m not trying to use fear is a tactic here, but if you could avoid just a single accident isn’t that worth it? If everyone on the road could avoid a single accident, wouldn’t that be worth it?

[Gire]

The new Accord engines are supposed to be great, and both are turbocharged. Which means easy ways to uncork a ton more HP and torque. the new turbo Civics are proving that in a big way.

 

I sold my beloved LGT wagon 3 years ago and have been in a V6 Accord since. it's certainly more boring to look and not as manic and exciting to drive as the wagon, but it's super reliable, has plenty of power, drives quite well for a family sedan (there's a reason it's made Car&Driver's 10 best list a billion times) and with snow tires, it's very competent in the winters.

 

If I was in the market for a family sedan and was buying new, I'd go for the Accord.

[Da Roo]

Here are my thoughts-

 

1. Road conditions where you live. If you have a winter with snow and ice, go for legacy. Remember, you still are not invincible so I recommend a good set of winter tires regardless (I have a set of Michelin x-ice xi3's)

 

2. Resale value. Go legacy. My 2016 legacy is #90,XXX and was bought in March 2016 (close to when 2017s came out). There are probably 3-500k+ accords if I had to guess

 

3. Power. Accord will likely win here, but at the end of the day if you are rocking either of the 4 bangers you have no power worth discussing

 

4. Fuel economy. Accord. Worth mentioning that the legacy still gets great mpg for having AWD

 

5. Safety. Legacy. No contest. I do recommend eyesight but either way the legacy wins.

 

6. Interior room. Legacy. Top in its class.

 

7. Looks. Either. We are on a car forum after all. Most of us will dump some funds into aesthetics one way or another. Your car is what you make it, and both cars' looks are completely transformed with a different set of wheels. (Pro-tip- use your stock wheels for winter)

 

8. Community. Legacy. Nothin like a subie [emoji112] driving down the road.

 

 

 

 

 

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[max]

driven both. liked Accord a tiny bit better to drive. Went to the tranny shop with good reputation. Asked the guy for opinion about CVT. He did not like any of them. But, if he needed to chose one, he would chose Subaru. Went to buy 2017 one. i like it so far.

[securityguy]

having owned both in the past, the Subaru win hands down... (94 accord, 98 accord 02 CL type S)... I find the new accords to be too flashy for my tastes... I have a 14 Legacy with 42K miles and no issues that were the fault of Subaru... nice quiet comfortable to drive.

 

Sorry but comparing a 94 and 98 accord to a 2018 is just wrong and a very poor comparison to say the least. The 18 Accord is receiving a TON of accolades and it would certainly be on the top of my list to go out and drive and consider. As much as I love Subaru's, if I didn't need or want AWD, I think the Accord would be a top pick next round.

[securityguy]

driven both. liked Accord a tiny bit better to drive. Went to the tranny shop with good reputation. Asked the guy for opinion about CVT. He did not like any of them. But, if he needed to chose one, he would chose Subaru. Went to buy 2017 one. i like it so far.

 

@Max...you drove a 2018 Honda Accord??? They literally just hit dealer lots this week in the US. Again, the Accord is ALL NEW for 2018 and getting amazing reviews from all pubs that are doing testing. Please don't compare a past Accord experience to the one that was just totally redone from the ground up.

[upstater]

If you don't need AWD, strongly consider the Accord.

 

Not that a Subaru Legacy is bad, but there are other options if FWD will get you where you need to go.

 

Now that most of the safety systems, adaptive cruise, etc are spreading out among all carmakers, I will look at Mazda, Hyundai, Honda and maybe even VW in two years when my lease is up. Maybe I will buy out the Suby, but probably not, I think I might look for a hot hatch that has all the safety systems (for example, Mazda has sign recognition from their camera, Subaru can't be far behind, but they haven't offered this yet...)

 

also, LED or HID headlights are a must for me now.

[Pool Shark]

Like other posters have mentioned, the 2018 Accord is all new (design, engine, etc.) and so there might be some unknowns. It also depends on what your preference is for features/options, engine, transmission...

 

If AWD is not a must, you might be able to snag some good deals on 2017 Accords since they will be heavily discounted. For me, I wanted a 6MT and so I picked up a 2017 Accord Sport earlier this year; for my wife, she wanted AWD and so 2 weeks ago we picked up a 2018 Legacy 2.5i Limited with Nav & EyeSight Package.

 

We love both cars but obviously for different reasons. Good luck in your decision, OP!

[YeuEmMaiMai]

Sorry but comparing a 94 and 98 accord to a 2018 is just wrong and a very poor comparison to say the least. The 18 Accord is receiving a TON of accolades and it would certainly be on the top of my list to go out and drive and consider. As much as I love Subaru's, if I didn't need or want AWD, I think the Accord would be a top pick next round.

 

if you did your research before slamming me, you would see that Honda's quality is not what it once was.... you see I have owned a few of their products in the past and it was enough to dissuade me from buying another one

 

1994 accord 208K same engine, same tans, same alt, same everything sans exhaust.

1998 accord blew trans and ate alternator within 105K

2002 CL type S at trans TWICE within 148K

 

2003 Subaru 120K and still same trans

2014 Subaru 42K and no issues related to Subaru of America's building of said car.

 

accolades doesn't mean squat when Honda has a 20 year history of making crap transmissions that more often than not will not last the life of the car.... and here we are seeing them slip further from the top. IF you wanted to argue about who is tops may I suggest Toyota?

 

Subaru is 6th Honda is 9th... enough of that... oh wait, Acura aka a gussied up Honda is #19 on said list. Who would have thought that Buick would be more reliable over all than HONDA or ACURA?

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=5703356

[securityguy]

if you did your research before slamming me, you would see that Honda's quality is not what it once was.... you see I have owned a few of their products in the past and it was enough to dissuade me from buying another one

 

Not slamming you...just stating that the past does not always predict the future. I have had several Honda vehicles...1986 CRX-Si, 1988 Civic EX, 1993 Del Sol, 2006 Odyssey Touring, 2012 Accord LX, 2012 Odyssey Touring. My experiences were positive for the most part (no manufacturer or car is perfect). Is Honda rated as high as Subaru right now? Maybe not (I am a CR subscriber) but they are still very good cars and Honda has a ton at stake if they are to surpass Toyota in sales and quality. Not an Acura fan.

[YeuEmMaiMai]

with car ownership creeping up near 5.5 years it absolutely DOES matter how past cars stack up as most cars often have 2 or more owners in their life times. The average car lives on the road for almost 11 years.

 

if we go back to 2014 Honda was #4 on the most reliable list and Subaru was #7....

 

http://www.autonews.com/assets/PDF/CA970161027.PDF

[max]

I drove 17 accord, compared to 17 Leggy. Do not know what the difference is between 17 and 18 accord. More interested in all wheel drive, as I live in Toronto area. I think i made a right choice. FWIW, the tranny shop guy bought 17 Accord 3.6, "before they disappear" as he said. He did not want CVT. I look at fuel gauge much more than acceleration, so I chose Leggy as this is my third one and I know what to expect from them by now. Honda guy told me they see problems with CVT. I asked independent Subaru mechanic if they've seen blown one, he said not yet. so i bought 17. I like the car. But 17 accord was a smooooooth ride. I go skiing often, need all wheel drive.

[Jgriff411]

Like I stated in my opening statement, Honda has had more than their share of transmission problems over the years, me included. I would be somewhat nervous w/ their new 10-speed tranny.

 

What makes Subaru CVT better than Honda?

 

AWD is not a must have, as I don't live where it snows much but it would be handy.

 

I wished the Legacy Prem model came w/ push button start, that would help even the playing field w/ the Accord EX model.

 

To me the downside to Accords & Camrys is they're everywhere, a dime a dozen. We have plenty of Outback, Forester & Crosstrek but not that many Legacy.

[Ovcoursitsilver]

...I wished the Legacy Prem model came w/ push button start, that would help even the playing field w/ the Accord EX model.

 

To me the downside to Accords & Camrys is they're everywhere, a dime a dozen. We have plenty of Outback, Forester & Crosstrek but not that many Legacy.

 

What's the big deal with push button start? I see so many people in this forum going on about what I feel is a marketing thing. I've been driving cars that start with a key for over 50 years and never felt deprived.

 

The rarity of my '05 LGT was one of the big selling points for me back in 2005 and I enjoyed not seeing my twin at every intersection. But since buying my '07 Legacy, I see Subarus everywhere now. Not as exclusive as it used to be but still better than Honda or Toyota.

[upstater]

I would go with Subaru for several reasons, one being the AWD as you mentioned and Eyesight. I like eyesight because it is internal so when driving in poor weather conditions the sensors are less likely to be damaged or become inoperable, mainly in snow by becoming blocked by snow and ice while driving. Simply put the Subaru is solid and I love that.

 

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while the Eyesight cameras are internal and less likely to be damaged by snow, ice, rain, they won't function in heavy snow, fog, or heavy downpours, while a radar based system will.

 

So if you want a car that has crash prevention in very poor visibility, Eyesight isn't the car for you. I have had Eyesight shut down during a heavy downpour, it isn't often, but in those conditions I wish Subaru had a backup radar based system...

[Ovcoursitsilver]

while the Eyesight cameras are internal and less likely to be damaged by snow, ice, rain, they won't function in heavy snow, fog, or heavy downpours, while a radar based system will.

 

So if you want a car that has crash prevention in very poor visibility, Eyesight isn't the car for you. I have had Eyesight shut down during a heavy downpour, it isn't often, but in those conditions I wish Subaru had a backup radar based system...

When making my recent purchase decisions, the Subaru salesman actually gave me several reasons for not buying the system including its unreliability in Canadian winter driving conditions.

[upstater]

When making my recent purchase decisions, the Subaru salesman actually gave me several reasons for not buying the system including its unreliability in Canadian winter driving conditions.

 

I guess it should be noted that low traction limits braking ability, so autobraking systems from all manufacturers will not work as well in inclement weather (not including fog) when the car will take longer to stop.

 

But having a safety system that shuts off when visibility is at its worst is not optimal, if you live where there is heavy fog Eyesight would not the be best system for you.

 

And did I mention Mazda has radar and camera combined -- it uses radar for collision avoidance, etc, and the camera for lane lines, and also recognizes common streets signs and shows them on the Heads Up Display (stop signs, speed limit signs, etc)

 

Eyesight is good, but not yet where it needs to be. They should toss in a radar backup for low visibility situations and also start using the dual cameras to read street signs, traffic lights, etc...

 

Though windshield replacement isn't an issue you have to think about for most cars (just call Safelite!), with Eyesight you also have to consider Subaru recommends only OEM windshields and Eyesight calibration after windshield replacement, not an issue with most other traffic avoidance systems that other manufacturers use.

[Yoda_One]

Or it makes you will be less reliable on exterior products and make you more reliable on your experience of driving.

 

Laughing at Oneself and with Others is Good for the Soul [emoji847]

[ammcinnis]

... in those conditions I wish Subaru had a backup radar based system...

 

In those conditions, I slow down ... just like I used to without EyeSight. If EyeSight can't see well, a human driver probably can't see well either.

 

Bottom line, I'm no less safe when EyeSight enters Temporary Stop mode than I have been all those grim years I managed without EyeSight, nor am I less safe than in a Gen 6 Legacy without EyeSight.

[subiefan15]

To clarify I wouldn't necessarily trust ANY system in poor weather. These systems are convenience as well as an extra safety measure, they are not the end all and be all of driving. Humans still have to pay attention when they drive (although a lot of them don't) I bought the '16 Legacy because of several reasons. It may not be the flashiest car but it has a solid reputation, and it was very comfortable. When I drove it for a weekend I loved the way I sat, the way it drove and how everything felt. Competition is alive because everyone likes something different. I just prefer the Subaru's.